VehicleVerdict

2015 Hyundai Veloster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Hyundai Veloster carries two red flags at once: 186 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.0× the Veloster norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Veloster years to avoid.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (78 of 186), far ahead of electrical system at 26. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

186

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Veloster years?

Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted577 complaints2012: 408 complaints2013: 577 complaints2014: 114 complaints2015: 186 complaints2016: 300 complaints2017: 69 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 29 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 9 complaints
Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Veloster years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Hyundai Veloster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7842%
Electrical System2614%
Other2111%
Transmission1810%
Brakes116%
Visibility & Wipers74%
Speed Control63%
Fuel System63%
Body & Structure42%
Tires & Wheels21%
Lighting21%
Steering21%
Suspension21%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2015 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

20V746000EngineDecember 1, 2020 · 128,948 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo had no open recalls. On 12/26/21, while stopped at a light, the car stalled, then started smoking, and caught fire almost instantly. There are known fire issues for similar models for which there are open recalls, but my car was not a part of these recalls.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 26, 2021 · fire

“My 2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo had no open recalls. On 12/26/21, while stopped at a light, the car stalled, then started smoking, and caught fire almost instantly. There are known fire issues for similar models for which there are open recalls, but my car was not a part of these recalls.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 26, 2021 · fire

“THE A/C KNOB, WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS TURNED ON, LIGHTS UP. THIS LIGHT BURNS UP THE INSIDE OF THE KNOB AND CAUSES THE CONNECTIONS TO BURN OUT WHICH MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE AIR SPEED SETTINGS. CURRENTLY MINE MUST SIT AT 3 OR IT DOESNT WORK AT ALL. I ALSO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE HEAD UNIT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 2, 2020

“CYLINDER 1 HAS BEEN MISFIRING. HAS THE ERROR CODE P0301. I TOOK IT IN TO HYUNDAI AND THEY SAID IT WAS JUST A SPARK PLUG. CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACKS AND THE PROBLEM RESOLVED FOR A FEW MONTHS AND NOW IS WORSE. MISFIRES/BACKFIRES IN THE ENGINE WHEN PRESSING GAS. LOUD POPPING SOUND COMES OUT OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 2, 2019

“OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS SQUEALING NOISES HAVE BECOME VER NOTICEABLE ON THE BRAKES. SUPPOSEDLY IT IS MOISTURE, BUT IT SHOULD NOT HAPPENED WHEN IT IS 98 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. I WENT TO A LOCAL WELL KNOWN MECHANIC SHOP AND REPLACED THE BRAKES THINKING IT WAS THE BRAKE PADS BUT IT WASN'T. THE NOISE ONCE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 31, 2020

2015 Hyundai Veloster — common questions

Is the 2015 Hyundai Veloster reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 186 complaints put the 2015 model at #4 of 10 Veloster years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Veloster years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Veloster problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (78 complaints), electrical system (26 complaints), other (21 complaints).

Does the 2015 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Hyundai Veloster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Hyundai Veloster under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Veloster years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Veloster years to avoid are 2013, 2012, 2016, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Veloster years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2015 Hyundai Veloster?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Hyundai Veloster earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.